Beef and Sheep Networks – Newsflash
Issue date – 25.03.2011
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BESTWOOL / BESTLAMB |
BetterBeef Network |
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Beef and Sheep News |
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BESTWOOL / BESTLAMB
This Newsflash email is funded by Australian Wool Innovation and Department of Primary Industries.
AWI Woolgrowers Newsletter Issue 7
Feature Article:
Ovens Valley BWBL Wether Production Trial
WHEN: Tuesday 5 April
WHERE: David & Helen Ross property “Bloomfield Park” at Everton
TIME: 9.30am to 2.00pm
The Wether Production Trial field day includes:
- Wether inspections and midside sampling
- What are the benefits of electronic tagging? A case study on developing the dynamic merino with Charlie de Fegely producer and consultant with Mike Stephens & Associates
- Sentinel flock project, increasing lamb survival, findings from the 09/10 season with Garry Armstrong from DPI Echuca
- Demonstration of equipment – wands and autodrafters with Chris Hinks from Tru Test
For more information and registration contact Tim Ekberg on 5727 3931 or 0427 573 535
TopLearn About Flystrike Management
WHEN: Thursday 7 April
WHERE: Andy Barber’s property, Karyrie Station Road, Birchip
TIME: 9.30am to 4.00pm
REGISTER: Contact Sam Clayfield, DPI Ballarat on 0428 513 722
Sheep producers have a chance to hone their understanding and management of flystrike during a series of workshops in Western Victorian in coming weeks. High rainfall and warm conditions have created the ideal conditions for flystrike, causing challenges for sheep producers.
Areas covered will include:
- Breech modification including alternatives to mulesing;
- Pain relief, clips and Skintraction®;
- The impact of dags, worms and scouring management;
- The role that chemicals can play;
- Breeding and selection and the impact on wool production;
- Wrinkle and fleece rot scoring, including ‘hands on’ session in the yards; and
- The impact of shearing and crutching timing.
These workshops are free with lunch provided on the day but registration is essential with only 20 places available at each event. For further information on SheepCRC events please visit www.sheepcrc.org.au/events.
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Forage Shrubs into Mixed Farming Systems
WHEN: Friday, 8 April, 2011
WHERE: Mallee Research Station, Walpeup
TIME: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Incorporating forage shrubs into mixed farming systems provides great benefits to producers, particularly, but not exclusively, in areas where other perennial plant options are limited. This forum will explain those benefits, how you could increase whole farm profit by 10-20% and provide information to help with the decisions on what shrub species to plant and the key principles of grazing management with shrubs.
Sessions include:
- Build your feed base and increase profit with Dean Revell (CSIRO)
- My ideas for change with Cameron Tubby (Producer, Morowa, WA)
- More than just energy with Phil Vercoe (UWA)
- Shrubs working with pastures with Jason Emms (SARDI)
- Animals cope with diversity with Dean Revell (CSIRO)
- The practical issues with Bruce Maynard (Producer, Narromine, NSW)
- What shrubs could work for you with Jason Emms (SARDI)
- Finding a fit for perennials in mixed farm systems with Rick Llewellyn (CSIRO)
Visit the regional Enrich research site. This is a FREE public event with lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided. RSVP to Nathan Phillips (08) 9333 6700 nathan.phillips@csiro.au
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Annual Progeny Display Day
WHEN: Friday 15 April
WHERE: Yiddinga (Endenhope) and Mokanger (7 kms east of Cavendish on Mokanger Rd)
TIME: 10.00am to 1.00pm at Yiddina and 12.00pm to 6.00pm at Mokanger
Inspect the 2009 and 2010 Elders Victoria Sire Evaluation Progeny. Participating studs with progeny on display include Avington, Bindawarra, Billandri, Centre Plus, Connewarran, Cressbrook, Currawong, Glendemar, Glenleigh Park, Grindon, Gringegalgona, Hannaton, Uardry Dohne, Kamora Park, Kerrsville, Kiaora, Kooringal, Kurra Wirra, Mokanger, Mount Yulong, Pendarra, The Mountain Dam, Windarra, Yalgoo, Yiddinga, Pooginook, Nareeb Nareeb, Roseville Park Dohne.
Enjoy guest speakers talk about “How to practically use the latest genetic information” and The latest in intradermal development”, BBQ and refreshments from 4.00pm at Monkanger.
For further information contact Tom Silcock on 5388 2238 or Darren Gordon on 0408 114 656
Interpreting Soil Tests
WHEN: Mortlake -Thursday 7 April and Ararat - Wednesday 4 May
WHERE: Mortlake Soldiers Memorial Hall, Shaw St, and DPI Ararat, Shire Hall, Barkly St
TIME: 9.30am to 1.00pm at both venues
REGISTER: Contact Hayley Mallay on 5355 0523
Soil chemistry includes a wide range of parameters such as phosphorus, nitrogen, pH, organic carbon, electronical conductivity and many others. The chemistry of soil is important, not only for plant nutrition, but it also has a role in soil structure, water retention and soil biological activity.
Topics covered in this workshop include:
- How and why to undertake accurate soil testing
- Accredited soil testing laboratories
- Optimal levels of nutrients
Both workshops are free, morning tea and lunch will be provided. Bring a calculator and soil test results if you have them available.
TopFacial Eczema Warning
Craig Bush, Bairnsdale BWBL coordinator
A Bairnsdale BWBL member last week noticed some lethargy in a mob of Merino weaners, which later presented as lesions around the mouth. The mob had been grazing on newly-established rye grass pastures. Further investigation resulted in diagnosis of facial eczema.
Facial exzema is caused by a poisonous substance called “sporidesmin” which is produced on pasture plants by the fungus Pithomyces chartarum. The taxon causes severe liver damage which results in a type of sunburn affecting exposed areas of pale skin of sheep and cattle.
For more information regarding Facial eczema visited the DPI website Information Notes or contact your local DPI Animal Health Officer.
TopDelivering Tools to Target Performance
High Performance Weaners (HPW) is a hands-on training program with a “measure to mange” approach. It provides lamb and wool producers with decision-making tools and information on:
- The economic benefits of improved weaner management
- Lamb and weaner health management
- Pre and post weaner nutrition
HPW involves groups of five sheep producers developing the skills to manage weaners to achieve performance targets that improve animal welfare and whole form profitability. The program assists producers to minimise weaner mortality, optimise weaner growth rates and increase conception rates for producers joining ewe lambs.
Contact Darren Gordon, RIST on 5573 0943 or email dgordon@rist.com.au
TopEver Wondered How Much Rainfall your Roof Collects?
The newly developed Farm Water Online Calculator can answer this question and many others including:
- How much water do livestock drink?
- How big is the dam?
- Will I run out of water if it stops raining?
The online calculator has been developed by the Department of Primary Industries Farm Water Solutions project to assist land managers and service providers with farm water planning. The calculator initially calculates the water requirements for the property, the potential supply, and how much water can be stored in dams and tanks. A variety of rainfall scenarios can be added into the calculator to assess farm water security.
The calculator can be viewed at: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/farmwatersolutions, then click onto the ‘Online Farm Water Calculator’ link.
For more information please contact Farm Water Solutions team member Benita Kelsall at DPI Ellinbank on (03) 5624 2218.
TopBetterBeef Network:
This Newsflash email is funded by Meat and Livestock Australia and Department of Primary Industries.
Producer Field Days – Don’t Miss Out
The Australian Beef Industry ‘A Changing Playing Field’
BetterBeef in collaboration with More Beef from Pastures will be delivering a series of FREE workshops for beef producers around Victoria in the approaching months. Agendas include:
- the global beef industry outlook – supply and demand, our key markets
- what drives beef prices and the future of our Australian industry
- making more informed business decisions on farm
- considerations for herd rebuilding and animal health
- an overview of BetterBeef and More beef from Pastures
Workshop presenters include leading technical experts from DPI and the private sector. All people with an interest in the beef industry are invited to attend. Please RSVP for more information and catering purposes. Participants are required to cover the cost of lunch.
Workshop details:
| Workshop Location | Date | Contact |
| DPI Ellinbank | Thursday 31st March | Fiona Baker Ph: 03 5624 2234 |
| Traralgon | Friday 1st April | Claire Geri Ph: 03 5662 9908 |
| Bairnsdale Trevor Caithness property |
Tuesday April 5th | Darren Hickey Ph: 03 5152 0496 |
| DPI Hamilton | Friday 1st April | Maria Crawford Ph: 03 5573 0749 |
| Alexandra David Blackmore’s property. Blackmore Wagyu |
Friday 8th April | Alison Desmond Ph: 03 5761 1643 |
| Kerang/Boort/Charlton Flood Recovery | Week of 11th - 15th April | Melissa Neal Ph: 03 5430 4374 |
| National Beef Industry Day Bendigo Showgrounds |
Thursday 19th May | Melissa Neal Ph: 03 5430 4374 |
Mansfield/Bonnie Doon Better Beef Group News:
The Mansfield/Bonnie Doon Better Beef Groups first meeting was held on March 18th and was a very productive meetingThe next meeting will be held Friday May 6th at Merrijig. This May meeting will focus on health issues and how to make the most of your vet (proactive rather than reactive). A local vet will be the guest speaker.
This beef group is still taking members. Members are recommend to be graduates of BeefCheque and have reasonably sized breeding/trading cattle herds. The area that the group will be drawing from centres on Bonnie Doon, bounded by Mansfield, Alexandra, Euroa and Strathbogie
This BetterBeef group will be:
- focused on a single important farming topic each session,
- identifying the components of the topic that influence our bottom lines,
- listening to outside experts for new data input as needed,
- on an individual basis, contributing ideas and personal experiences on the set topic.
Meetings intend to be 6 to 8 weeks on Fridays at various farms within the district.
If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Patrick FitzGerald on 0408054283 or email: patfitzgerald@ozemail.com.au
National Beef 2001 - Reminder
NATIONAL BEEF 2011 will be back at the Exhibition Centre from Wednesday 18th to Sunday 22nd May 2011. Mark these dates in your diary - National Beef is growing every year and based on the increased exhibitors in 2010, its shaping up to be bigger and better in 2011. More details will be posted on the National Beef website as the date draws closer
TopBeef and Lamb cookbook claims prize
Australian beef and lamb cookbook claims international prizeMLA Japan’s Australian beef and lamb cookbook. The chefs – a taste of Japan, was awarded tow honours at the recent Gourmad World Cookbook Awards.
The awards honour the best food and wine books from around the world. The two awards received by MLA Japan include the Best Japanese Cuisine Cookbook and the Best Corporate Cookbook.
Recipes were created by leading Japanese chefs and printed in both Japanese and EnglishSoil carbon and farming in the future
What is soil carbon?
What farming practices will increase soil carbon?
What is the most profitable or least risky stocking rate for your farm over the long term?
Come along :
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Workshop Location |
Date |
Contact |
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Moyhu Memorial Hall, |
Friday April 1st 9.15am to 2.30pm |
For more details call: |
Please bring $10 for lunch
RSVP by Wednesday March 30th
Program
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Time |
Topic |
Speakers |
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9.15 |
Arrival |
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9.30 |
Understanding Soil Carbon. |
Cath Botta |
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11.00 |
Morning Tea |
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11.30 |
Evaluating the impacts of enterprise changes on a local farm under different climate change scenarios. (see details over) |
Jane Court |
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12.30 |
Lunch - cost $10.00/head |
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1.15 |
What could be the best strategies for farming in the future for this area? |
Jane Court |
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2.30 |
Finish |
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BetterBeef Contact Details
Similar to BESTWOOL/BESTLAMB, BetterBeef has a Project Leader (Dougal Purcell), a Project Officer (Cheriel Tidd) in addition to a number of DPI Beef Industry Development Officers around the state.
Dougal and Cheriel are available to answer any queries you have about the project. Our contact details are below:
Dougal Purcell
BetterBeef Network Project Leader
402 Mair Street
Ballarat Victoria 3350
Phone: 03 5336 6794
Mobile: 0428 563 309
Email: dougal.purcell@dpi.vic.gov.au
Cheriel Tidd
BetterBeef Project Officer
RMB 1145
Chiltern Valley Road
Rutherglen Victoria 3685
Phone: 02 6030 4521
Email cheriel.tidd@dpi.vic.gov.au
Fax: 02 6030 4600
Please note that Cheriel does not work on Wednesdays she will address your email or telephone message when she is next in the office
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Beef and Sheep News:
AgFutures Tarago Catchment
WHEN: Thursday 28 April
TIME: 10.00am for morning tea start at 10.15am to 3.00pm event schedule
WHERE: Rokeby Hall, Brandy Creek Rd, Rokeby
REGISTRATION: Contact Karen Thomas 0488 372 411 or 9785 0103 or karen.thomas@dpi.vic.gov.au
Cause and effect of terms of trade, population and land use change on farming in Baw Baw Shire. How can you make the most from change? AgFutures assists farmers and farming communities make sense of the changes that will affect agriculture in the future and contributes information towards better long term decision making.
Neil Barr (DPI Social Researcher):
Terms of trade, population and land use change and the cause and effect on rural communities. What does it mean for Baw Baw Shire and how can you make the most from change?
Interested in setting up an accredited Farmer’s Market in Baw Baw?
Miranda Sharp will provide information on getting started.
Can diversification and online selling be a viable business option in Baw Baw?
Listen to how Maria Armistead used the devastating 2009 bushfires to design a new approach to her farm business.
Connecting Rural Business Women 2011 Conference
WHEN: April 3 and 4, 2011
WHERE: La Trobe @ Beechworth
REGISTER: Register now
Workshop themes include Leadership, Business, Agriculture/food and Personal growth – something for everyone. There are over 25 workshops to choose from.
There will be a Participants’ Market (like a farmers market), a Networking Banquet and a Panel of Business Women as well as two Networking Lunches and a Networking Breakfast.
Key Note Speakers include:
Heidi Secord - a young, dynamic, business woman from Pennsylvania USA. She runs a very successful biodynamic, organic market garden.
Sue Middleton- 2010 National RIRDC Rural Women’s Award winner from Western Australia. Sue and her husband manage a diverse range of farming operations, including 210 hectare citrus orchard and a 13 thousand acre grain enterprise. They have diversified into the pork industry.
To find out who else is attending, go to the Facebook event page.
TopRemember to Report Locust Activity
Locusts are now flying in parts of Victoria and, for many people, reporting locusts in their area may seem as necessary, and as newsworthy, as reporting the presence of air. However, much of DPI’s locust intelligence is based on the information and reports we receive from the community, including other agencies and DPI staff.
Even though you might be used to seeing locust activity in your area, or around the state, it’s likely that no-one has ‘officially’ reported that activity to DPI. DPI still needs to capture information about where locusts are flying, swarming and laying eggs across the state so that we can continue to monitor the locust threat and respond appropriately.
As the 2010/11 locust campaign draws to a close the importance of recording adult locust movements becomes critical. Reporting egg laying activity is particularly important so DPI can get an overall picture of the likely situation next spring. Mapping the locations of locust egg beds will enable DPI to monitor the viability of selected sentinel egg beds through the winter and so predict the magnitude and distribution of locust hatchings in spring 2011.
So, if you see locust activity when you’re out and about, remember to ring and report it to the DPI Locust Hotline 1300 135 559. Alternatively, you can also easily report egg laying and hopper activity to the DPI website or report locust swarms to the DPI Locust Swarm Activity Map.
Farm Day 2011 – May 28 and 29
Western District farmers have been long time promoters of the excellent food and fibre produced in this region and now the annual FarmDay organisers want to make sure that the local agricultural community is well represented on May 28-29 when farmers all over the country open their gates to city and town visitors. FarmDay is a national event where a city family is hosted for a day on a farm.
FarmDay organiser Deb Bain believes the event provides a unique opportunity for many city families to go and be part of life on the farm and appreciate the complexities often associated with operating a farming business. “Now, more than ever, it’s important for farmers to be able to show what they do and the circumstances they work under to make sure there’s great Australian food on the table,” she said.
To whet your appetite in the lead up to FarmDay have a look at this virtual farm visit its great fun and for more information and online registration click here.
TopTalking Cats and Dogs
The Department of Primary Industries has many roles, one of which is as a partner in the Animal Welfare Science Centre (AWSC). Other partners in the Centre are the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and the Ohio State University.
The Centre was established to focus and coordinate research and academic resources of the collaborating organisations, providing the animal industries, animal users, farming communities, Government and the academic and general community with an internationally competitive research, training and teaching resource in animal welfare science.
Samia Toukhsati of the Animal Welfare Science Centre, Monash University, is trying to find out what people think about companion animal ownership and to figure out ways to improve the welfare of cats and dogs.
This work follows a series of pilot studies with the Soi Dog Foundation linking cultural factors in predicting attitudes towards pet ownership behaviours, such as sterilisation.
While research shows that concerns about animal welfare appear to be universal, the manner in which those attitudes translate into action may be influenced by local beliefs and values.
The outcomes of this work will be used to develop better animal welfare management and educational programs.
Samia is looking for pet owners AND non-owners aged 18 and over to complete an online survey to assist this research. Click here to find the survey.
Wildlife Health Surveillance Victoria
Wildlife Health Surveillance Victoria investigates reports of sick and dead wildlife from free ranging populations in Victoria to understand baseline health, detect changes and identify risk factors. Wildlife health can affect biodiversity conservations and ecosystem health and can interact with biosecurity and the health of people and domestic animals
Following the floods an increase is expected in infections spread by arthropod vectors (midges, mosquitoes etc)
If you see sick or dead wildlife from free ranging population, contact Pam Whiteley on 0400 119 301 or email pamw@unimelb.edu.au
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